food – Trio New American Cafe – Colleyville, Texas

Trio New American Cafe is a chef owned and operated restaurant which focuses on serving the freshest local ingredients currently available in local markets. Standing at the helm is Chef Jason Harper who oversees a tiny, highly focused menu that is supplemented daily with at least one special built focusing on what he’s able to procure currently in local markets. Having worked his way up through the ranks of the local restaurant scene including a stint as a sous chef for the widely regarded Abacus in Dallas Chef Jason has made Trio New American Cafe his own home as a showcase for his talent and vision in the kitchen.

Our group started our evening sharing the appetizer special of Truffled Lobster Mac & Cheese ($18.00). Although good overall with moist center and slightly crunchy top I was a little disappointed as the truffle portion seemed to be sparse and purely driven by truffle oil. There were plenty of good sized chunks of Lobster throughout but I would’ve preferred even just a little freshly shaved truffle to be included. Considering the price point I’d recommend sticking with the regular menu appetizer of White Cheddar Mac ($6.00) which I’ll likely order during a future visit along with the Mediterranean Plate ($7.00).

In addition to the Truffled Lobster Mac & Cheese we shared the Five Cheese Board ($25.00) as an appetizer. Consisting of five one ounce servings of cheese along with nuts, chutneys, crackers and breads the cheese selections for this evening were a Danny Blue, a Spanish Montenebro, a French Ossuary-Iraty, a French Smoked Rambol and a Wisconsin Red Rock Aged Cheddar. All of the cheeses were fresh and of a high quality. Albeit a bit of an expensive appetizer ($5.00 per ounce) I’d still recommend this appetizer, especially if you bring in a nice wine with which to pair the cheeses.

My entree for the evening was the one daily special of Berkshire Pork topped with a Watermelon & Tomato relish served with a side of Grilled Peach half and Smoked Fingerling Potatoes ($26.00). Watermelons and peaches are coming in right now in Texas so keeping to his word Chef Jason put together a daily special 100% focused on what’s currently available at local Farmer’s markets. I found the Berkshire pork to be well prepared and flavorful and generally moist through save a couple of small pieces. The Watermelon added a truly unique flavor component to the pork and helped cut the spiciness of the hidden serrano peppers in the relish. The grilled peach was an interesting add on but I found myself eating it separately from the pork. The smoked potatoes were good, filling and rounded out what was a generous sized entree. This dish is recommended.

Dessert for the evening was the Chocolate Caramel Tart ($7.00). Rich and gooey throughout with a good balance between the individual components I thoroughly enjoyed this little decadent dessert and would recommend it.

Service was pleasant and helpful throughout the evening from the time we were cheerfully greeted upon arrival until we closed the place down for the evening.

Trio does not have a liquor license so BYOB is permitted. This is a huge plus for local wine lovers who wish to bring in a nice bottle from their cellars to match with the cuisine of Chef Jason. Corkage fee is $2.00 per bottle which is extremely reasonable. Trio provides stemware that is OK but if you are particular about your stemware then definitely bring your own.

Trio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM until 3PM for lunch. Dinner is served Thursday through Saturday from 5PM until 9PM. Reservations are accepted. Attire is casual; golf shorts and polo shirt get the job done. Major credit cards are accepted. Parking is free in the lot in front of the restaurant.

Trio New American Cafe: recommended; especially if you’re looking for a nice BYOB option.